Doll having head and upper torso interchangeable on doll bodies and styling bases

ABSTRACT

A doll body is configured to receive and secure a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable upper torso and head units. The upper torso and head units may be interchangeably used in attachment to doll body. Alternatively, a support base is provided which may also support a selected upper torso and head unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toy figures such as dolls and particularly to those dolls often described in the toy industry as “fashion dolls”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy figures such as dolls have proven to be an extremely pervasive and popular toy product for many years. Faced with this extensive and long-lasting popularity, practitioners in the toy arts have provided a virtually endless variety of toy figures such as dolls. Perhaps one of the most popular types of dolls which have been provided by practitioners in the toy arts that which is generally known as “fashion dolls”. Fashion dolls generally refer to dolls that are relatively small and easily handled by young children. Typically fashion dolls are formed for the most part of a relatively rigid plastic material and define articulated jointed figures. Part of the appeal of fashion dolls is found in the extensive use of interesting and entertaining wardrobes and hair styling activities. In further addition, fashion dolls are often utilized in combination with various lifestyle accessories.

In attempting to enhance the play value of such dolls, practitioners in the art have continued to create additional features for enhancing the dolls play value. As a result, fashion dolls have been provided which utilize play patterns simulating virtually every fantasy and real life human activity known. Dolls have been provided which eat, walk, may-be-dressed, have hair which may be styled or faces which may be made-up using simulated cosmetics.

Among these many types of play features, attempts have been made to provide dolls which involve hair styling, make-up and other appearance changing features. One type of appearance changing dolls provides interchangeable heads for the doll body. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,566,801 issued to Millard sets forth a DOLL which typifies early attempts at providing dolls with interchangeable heads and bodies. U.S. Pat. No. 2,756,540 issued to Cleaver sets forth a DOLL WITH REMOVABLE HEAD in which a doll body supports a neck portion and an upwardly extending hook. A cooperating head is received upon the neck and secured by the hook.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,146 issued to McCmurdy sets forth a DOLL WITH ROTATABLE HEAD HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE FRONT AND BACK PARTS in which a doll supports a pair of faces on opposite sides of the head portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,337 issued to Baker sets forth a COMBINATION DIVERSE DOLL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY PLAYSET METHOD in which a doll is assembled from a headless body. A head is chosen from several available heads and is securable to the doll. A hair wig is also provided which may be secured to the doll head.

In another appearance change doll feature, practitioners have provided various hair styles and wigs which are interchangeable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,640 issued to Dunn which sets forth CHANGEABLE HAIR DOLL together with U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,790 issued to Strongin et al. which sets forth a DOLL WITH RELEASABLY-ATTACHED HAIR PIECES show examples of doll having changeable hair pieces.

French Patents 2,559,073 and 2,627,398 set forth examples of dolls having removable hair features.

Still other doll feature interchangeable face portions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,584 issued to Perryman sets forth a DOLL WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FACES in which a doll body supports a head portion. A series of head slip covers with each slip cover supporting a distinct facial expression are interchangeably slipped over the dolls head to interchange the doll faces.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,420 issued to Lawrence et al. set forth an ANIMAL DOLL WITH DETACHABLE PARTS in which an animal figure body is provided with a plurality of hook and loop fabric attachments. The fabric attachments are used in combination with cooperating fabric attachment members to secure appendages and the head to the doll body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,910 issued to Narlo sets forth a MULTIPLE THREE DIMENSIONAL FACIAL DISPLAY SYSTEM which is constructed of a plurality of molded components chosen to resemble the features of a human head. Various alternatively shaped components are provided for each primary region of the facial display to obtain a variety of face shapes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,992 issued to McKay sets forth a TRANSFORMABLE TOY having a toy figures body supporting a neck upon which a head capable of transformation between distinct appearances is supported.

Removable or attachable head features on dolls are further shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,359 issued to Krump, U.S.Pat. No. 6,705,794 issued to Varner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 1,509,604 issued to Meyers and U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,775 issued to Sato.

Activities such as make-up play and actual cosmetic practice often utilize an enlarged doll head supportable on a base structure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,921 issued to Yau sets forth a MAKE-UP MANNEQUIN HEAD AND MAKE-UP MANNEQUIN KIT FOR USE THEREWITH in which a mannequin head is accompanied by a plurality of flexible soft skin companion masks having facial configurations thereon. The masks are interchangeably securable to the mannequin head.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,763 issued to Yau sets forth a METHOD OF TEACHING, TRAINING AND PRACTICE COSMETOLOGY TECHNIQUES AND A MAKE-UP MANNEQUIIN KIT FOR USE THEREWITH sets forth a cosmetology mannequin similar to that set forth above in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,921.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,535 issued to Min sets forth a MANNEQUIN HEAD FOR USE IN MAKE-UP PRACTICE AND METHOD OF USE in which a single mannequin head supports a pair of oppositely facing facial portions.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,060 issued to Moskowstz et al sets forth a CHILDRENS DENTAL INSTRUCTION KIT having a base supporting a neck and human-like doll head. The doll head defines features such as a mouth and exposed teeth which may be brushed to remove a simulated stain.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,197,093 issued to Doran sets forth an DISPLAY HEAD having a base supporting a neck which in turn supports a human-like head. The display head further includes a removable face portion and a plurality of hair styled wigs for use therewith.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,717 issued to Park et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,872 issued to Chung; U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,569 issued to Cohen; U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,447 issued to Tucker, U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,260 issued to Caputi; U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,503 issued to Flint; U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,606 and Published Patent Application US 2001/0046830 filed by Bellavia set forth various dolls and toy figures generally related to the present invention.

While the foregoing prior art devices have to some extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore improved, amusing, interesting and versatile dolls and toy figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved doll product. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved doll product which increases the play value of the doll by utilizing interchangeable elements in combination therewith.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a doll playset comprising: a doll body having a torso; at least one interchangeable unit having a head, a neck and an upper torso; the upper torso being receivable upon the torso; and a releasable latch for releasably attaching the interchangeable unit upon the torso, the upper torso when attached to the torso forming the upper chest and back of the doll body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 sets forth a rear perspective view of a doll constructed in accordance with the present invention having a head and upper torso unit assembled thereto;

FIG. 2 sets forth a rear perspective view of the present invention doll of FIG. 1 showing the assembly of the head and upper torso unit to the body thereof;

FIG. 3A sets forth a perspective view of a head and upper torso unit assembled to a support base;

FIG. 3B sets forth a perspective view of an alternate head and upper torso unit;

FIG. 4 sets forth a perspective assembly view of the head and upper torso unit and support base of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a doll and a head and torso unit constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 sets forth a partially sectioned rear view of a doll and a head and upper torso unit constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 sets forth a partially sectioned rear view of a doll and a head and upper torso unit assembled together;

FIG. 8 sets forth a partially sectioned side view of the present invention doll and a head and upper torso unit being assembled thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 sets forth a rear perspective view of a doll having a head and upper torso unit assembled thereto. The present invention doll shown in FIG. 1 is generally referenced by numeral 10. By way of overview, the head and upper torso unit assembled to doll 10 completes the doll figure. And by way of further overview, the head and upper torso are removable as a single unit in the manner shown in FIG. 2 to allow interchangeable head and upper torso units to be applied to the doll body.

More specifically, doll 10 includes a doll body 11 fabricated of a plastic material or the like and generally replicating the form of a human female. Accordingly, doll body 11 includes a pair of arms 13 and 14 supported by a torso 12 at a pair of shoulderjoints 15 and 16 respectively. In accordance with the present invention, torso 12 further defines an aperture 17 within which a button 18 is movably supported. In further accordance with the present invention, doll 10 includes a head 21 supporting a quantity of doll hair 22. Head 21 is supported upon a neck 41 which in turn extends upwardly from an upper torso unit 20. Upper torso unit 20 defines a multiply curved edge 40 extending about the lower periphery of upper torso unit 20. Torso 12 defines a recessed portion 35 which is bounded by an edge 36. Edge 36 conforms generally to edge 40 of torso 12 such that in the assembled position of the present invention doll, a seam line is formed between edges 40 and 36.

In the view of doll 10 shown in FIG. 1, doll 10 is wearing a blouse 30 upon torso 12. Blouse 30 is joined along its rear seam by a pair of cooperating hook-and-loop fabric closures 31 and 32. In the view shown in FIG. 1, closures 31 and 32 are partially opened to expose button 18. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the user is able to remove the combined unit formed by head 21, neck 41 and upper torso 20 by simply pressing button 18 inwardly within aperture 17. A latch mechanism set forth below in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is released as button 18 is pressed inwardly allowing the removal of head 21, neck 41 and upper torso 20 from torso 12. In this manner, a different interchangeable head and upper torso unit may be installed upon torso 12 to alter the appearance of doll 10.

FIG. 2 sets forth a rear perspective view of the present invention doll illustrating the separation and removal of the head and upper torso unit formed by upper torso 20, neck 41 and head 21.

More specifically, doll 10 includes a doll body 11 fabricated of a plastic material or the like and generally replicating the form of a human female. Accordingly, doll body 11 includes a pair of arms 13 and 14 supported by a torso 12 at a pair of shoulder joints 15 and 16 respectively. In accordance with the present invention, torso 12 further defines an aperture 17 within which a button 18 is movably supported. In further accordance with the present invention, doll 10 includes a head 21 supporting a quantity of doll hair 22. Head 21 is supported upon a neck 41 which in turn extends upwardly from an upper torso unit 20. Upper torso unit 20 defines a multiply curved edge 40 extending about the lower periphery of upper torso unit 20. Torso 12 defines a recessed portion 35 which is bounded by an edge 36. Edge 36 conforms generally to edge 40 of torso 12 such that in the assembled position of the present invention doll, a seam line is formed between edges 40 and 36.

In the position shown in FIG. 2, the user has just released the latch mechanism within doll 10 which restrains post 42 of upper torso unit 20. This release is actuated by pressing button 18 inwardly in the manner indicated by arrow 25. As button 18 is pressed inwardly and the internal latch (seen in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8) is released, torso 20 together with neck 41 and head 21 is released as post 42 is forced upwardly through aperture 37 in the direction indicated by arrow 26. In this manner, the combined unit formed by upper torso 20, neck 41 and head 21 may be exchanged for an alternative unit such as the unit shown in FIG. 3B. By way of further alternative, the upper torso and head unit once removed from doll body 11 may be secured to a support base in the manner shown in FIGS. 3A and 4.

FIG. 3A sets forth a perspective view of a head and upper torso unit secured to a support base 50. As described above, the present invention doll includes a head 21 supporting a quantity of doll hair 22. Head 21 defines a doll face 45 and is supported by a neck 41. Neck 41 is joined to and extends upwardly from an upper torso 20. As is also described above, upper torso 20 defines an irregular edge 40 encircling the lower portion of upper torso 20. It will be recalled that edge 40 generally conforms to edge 36 of torso 12 (seen in FIG. 2). Correspondingly, base 50 includes an upwardly extending support portion 51 which is configured to generally replicate the upper portion of torso 12 and thus defines an irregular edge 53 which conforms to edge 40. In addition, and as is better seen in FIG. 4, support portion 51 of base 50 defines a recessed portion 52 which in turn defines an aperture 54.

Returning to FIG. 3A, base 50 is shown supporting upper torso 20 upon support portion 51 in a secure support which facilitates either storage of the upper torso and head unit of the present invention doll or alternatively functions as a convenient support in which base 50 allows the child user to place the upper torso and head unit upon base 50 and employ various hair play and make-up play patterns of activity. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, base 50 receives upper torso 20 in a simple resting engagement and therefore head 21 and upper torso 20 are removed from base 50 by simply drawing head 21 upwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows the upper torso and head unit of the present invention doll having been withdrawn from its rest position shown in FIG. 3A. As mentioned above, head 21 supports a quantity of doll hair 22 and defines a face 45. As is also mentioned above, neck 41 extends upwardly from upper torso 20 and supports head 21. Upper torso 20 defines an irregular edge 40 and a downwardly extending post 42. Post 42 defines a notch 43 which, as is better seen in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is utilized in securely latching upper torso 20 to a doll body.

Base 50 provides a support platform from which a support portion 51 extends upwardly. Support portion 51 defines an irregular edge 53 which generally conforms to edge 40 of upper torso 20. Support portion 51 further defines a recessed portion 52 which receives upper torso 20 and an aperture 54 which receives post 42 of upper torso 20.

FIG. 3B sets forth a perspective view of an alternative head and upper torso unit for use in combination with the present invention doll. By way of overview, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the head and upper torso unit shown in FIG. 3B is configured to replace or be interchangeable with the head and upper torso unit shown in FIGS. 3A and 4. Accordingly, a head 60 supports a quantity of doll hair 62 and defines a face 63. An upper torso portion 64 includes an upwardly extending neck 61 which supports head 60. Upper torso portion 64 defines a lower edge 65 which is generally the same as edge 40 of upper torso 20 shown in FIG. 4. In further similarity, upper torso 64 includes a downwardly extending post 66 having a notch 67 formed therein. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art by comparison of FIGS. 3B and 4 that the head and torso unit shown in FIG. 3B is interchangeable with the head and upper torso unit shown in FIG. 4. Thus, either of the head and upper torso unit set forth in FIGS. 3B and 4 may be utilized in combination with base 50 or alternatively, may be joined to torso 12 of doll 10 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In accordance with the anticipated use of the present invention doll, the child user is able to place a selected head and upper torso unit upon a doll for the desired play and is able to place a desired head and upper torso unit upon base 50 for use in make-up and hair play pattern activities.

FIG. 5 sets forth a front perspective view of the assembly of upper torso 20 and head 21 to doll body 11. As described above, doll 10 includes a doll body 11 having a torso portion 12 which supports a blouse 30. As is also described above, doll body 11 includes arms 13 and 14 joined to torso 12 at shoulders 15 and 16. A recessed portion 35 having an edge 36 is formed upon the upper surface of torso 12 and includes an aperture 37. Recessed portion 35 and aperture 37 are configured to receive upper torso 20 and post 42 respectively of the head and upper torso unit shown being assembled thereto. Head 21 supports a quantity of doll hair 22 and a face 45. A neck 41 extends upwardly from upper torso 20 and supports head 21. Upper torso 20 includes a downwardly extending post 42 having a notch 43 formed therein.

FIG. 6 sets forth a partially sectioned rear view of doll 10 showing the upper torso and head unit separated therefrom. With temporary reference to FIG. 7, it will be noted that FIG. 7 shows the same section view with the difference being found in the assembly of upper torso 20 and head 21 to doll body 11.

More specifically, head 21 is supported upon upper torso 20 by a neck 41. Upper torso 20 includes a downwardly extending boss 46 supporting a further downwardly extending post 42. Upper torso 20 further defines an irregular bottom edge 40 extending about the lower periphery of upper torso 20. Doll 10 further includes a doll body 11 defining a torso 12 which in turn defines a recessed portion 35 on the upper portion thereof. Torso 12 further supports a pair of arms 13 and 14 at shoulders 15 and 16 respectively. Torso 12 further defines an aperture 37 extending downwardly into a bore 70. A spring 77 is captivated within bore 70 by a pair of retainers 71 and 74. Retainers 71 and 74 define respective apertures 72 and 76 which are generally concentric with aperture 37 of recessed portion 35. An aperture 75 is formed at the bottom of bore 70 and is generally concentric with aperture 37.

A latch mechanism is provided by a slideable latch member 80 which is coupled to a button 18. Latch 80 is slideably movable in a front-to-back motion better seen in FIG. 8. However, suffice it to note here that latch 80 together with button 18 is slidable within the interior of torso 12 in a front-to-back movement upon a guide 82 formed within the interior of torso 12. Latch 80 further defines a tab 81 which, as is better seen in FIG. 8, is configured to engage notch 43 of post 42 to secure upper torso 20 upon recessed portion 35. Suffice it to note here that upper torso 20 supporting neck 41 and head 21 is attachable to doll body 11 by simply forcing the upper torso unit downwardly such that post 42 and boss 46 extend through aperture 37. With continued downward movement, post 42 passes through apertures 72 and 76 of retainers 71 and 74. As the downward force continues to be applied to upper torso 20, boss 46 passes downwardly through aperture 37 and abuts the upper surface of retainer 71. Thereafter, continued downward force overcomes the force of spring 77 and forces retainer 71 downwardly as tab 81 of latch 80 engages notch 43 (seen in FIG. 8). Once tab 81 has engaged notch 43. The attachment of upper torso 20 upon recessed portion 35 is complete and secure.

FIG. 7 sets forth a partially sectioned rear view of doll 10 showing upper torso 20 supporting neck 41 and head 21 in secure attachment to doll body 11.

More specifically, head 21 is supported upon upper torso 20 by a neck 41. Upper torso 20 includes a downwardly extending boss 46 supporting a further downwardly extending post 42. Upper torso 20 further defines an irregular bottom edge 40 extending about the lower periphery of upper torso 20. Doll 10 further includes a doll body 11 defining a torso 12 which in turn defines a recessed portion 35 on the upper portion thereof. Torso 12 further supports a pair of arms 13 and 14 at shoulders 15 and 16 respectively. Torso 12 further defines an aperture 37 extending downwardly into a bore 70. A spring 77 is captivated within bore 70 by a pair of retainers 71 and 74. Retainers 71 and 74 define respective apertures 72 and 76 which are generally concentric with aperture 37 of recessed portion 35. An aperture 75 is formed at the bottom of bore 70 and is generally concentric with aperture 37.

As will be apparent by comparing FIGS. 6 and 7, the extension of posts 42 downwardly through aperture 37 and apertures 72 and 76 of retainers 71 and 74 allows the lower ends of post 42 to bring notch 43 into alignment with tab 81 of latch 80. In this latch position, the extension of tab 81 of latch 80 into notch 43 resists the compression force present in spring 77. So long as latch 80 remains engaged upper torso portion 20 remains secured within recess portion 35 of torso 12.

At this point the user is able to indulge in typical doll play utilizing the selected head and upper torso unit. Once the child user desires to exchange the upper torso and head unit for a different unit, the user simply presses button 18 which, as is better described below in FIG. 8, releases the engagement of tab 81 within notch 43 of post 42. With this latch release, the force of spring 77 drives boss 46 upwardly carrying post 42 as well as upper torso 20 out of the engagement position and allowing the upper torso and head unit to be withdrawn in the manner seen in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 sets forth a partially section side view of the present invention doll. As described above, doll 10 includes an upper torso and head unit formed by upper torso 20, neck 41 and head 21. As is also described above, head 21 defines a face 45. Upper torso 20 further defines a lower edge 40 and a downwardly extending boss 46. Boss 46 in turn supports a downwardly extending post 42 having a notch 43 formed therein.

Doll body 11 includes a torso 12 having a recessed portion 35 and an edge 36. As mentioned above, edge 36 conforms generally to edge 40 of upper torso 20. Recessed portion 35 further defines an aperture 37 and a downwardly extending bore 70. Bore 70 receives a pair of retainers 71 and 74 having respective apertures 72 and 76 formed therein. A spring 77 is captivated between retainers 71 and 74.

Torso 12 further defines an aperture 17 and a guide member 82 together with a rearwardly extending bore 86. Bore 86 receives a spring 87. A button 18 is received within aperture 17 and is secured to a forwardly extending post 85. Post 85 extends into bore 86 and abuts spring 87. Post 85 is further joined to a latch 80 having a latch tab 81 formed on the upper end thereof. Latch 80 is slidably received upon guide 82. Spring 87 provides a force against post 85 urging button 18 outwardly from aperture 17. The extended position of button 18 and post 85 is defined by the abutment of latch 80 against the interior edge of the portion of torso 12 within which aperture 17 is formed.

The attachment of upper torso 20 to doll body 11 is accomplished by positioning post 42 within aperture 37 as shown and thereafter forcing post 42 downwardly as indicated by arrow 84. As post 42 is forced downwardly, bore 46 contacts retainer 71. Thereafter, continued downward force upon upper torso 20 overcomes the force of spring 77 compressing the spring and allowing further downward movement of post 42 and bore 46. This downward movement continues until notch 43 is brought into alignment with tab 81 of latch 80. Thereafter, the force of spring 87 positions latch 80 such that tab 81 is received within notch 43 of post 42. Once tab 81 extends into and engages notch 43, the force of spring 77 is resisted by the resulting latch and upper torso 20 is secured to recessed portion 35 of torso 12. At this point, upper torso 20 and neck 41 together with head 21 are secured to doll body 11. The child user may then indulge in typical play patterns with the doll.

When the user desires to remove the upper torso and head unit from doll body 11, the user simply presses button 18 inwardly overcoming the force of spring 87 and moving latch 80 in the direction indicated by arrow 83. As latch 80 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 83, tab 81 is removed from notch 43 and the latch is released. Once the latch has been released, the force of spring 77 drives bore 46 together with post 42 upwardly and separation between upper torso 20 and recessed portion 35 takes place. The user may then install a different head upper torso unit or utilize the head and upper torso unit in combination with base 50 in the manner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 above.

What has been shown is a doll having a head and upper torso unit which is interchangeable upon a doll body and a styling base. As a result, a variety of play patterns may be indulged in using a plurality of head and upper torso units upon one or more doll bodies and one or more support bases.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A doll playset comprising: a doll body having a torso; at least one interchangeable unit having a head, a neck and an upper torso; said upper torso being receivable upon said torso; and a releasable latch for releasably attaching said interchangeable unit upon said torso, said upper torso when attached to said torso forming the upper chest and back of said doll body.
 2. The doll playset set forth in claim 1 wherein said torso defines a recessed portion and wherein said upper torso fits into said recessed portion.
 3. The doll playset set forth in claim 2 wherein said releasable latch includes a post having a notch therein extending downwardly from said upper torso and an aperture formed in said recessed portion of said torso for receiving said post.
 4. The doll playset set forth in claim 3 wherein said releasable latch includes a sliding latch plate having a tab for engaging said notch.
 5. The doll playset set forth in claim 4 further including a base having a support defining a recessed portion constructed to receive said upper torso.
 6. The doll playset comprising: a doll body having a torso; a plurality of interchangeable units each having an upper torso, receivable on said torso, a neck and a head supported thereon, each of said interchangeable units being constructed to be secured to said torso; and a base having a support portion defining a recessed portion for receiving an upper torso of a selected interchangeable unit to support said selected interchangeable unit. 